Chapter 37 Football 37 Self-interest and Maintenance
If Nagi Seishiro's world before was like a calm, still lake, then this ball was like a meteorite falling from the sky, suddenly creating towering waves on that tranquil surface.
The lake water churned and surged, much like his state of mind at that moment, experiencing unprecedented and violent upheavals.
The tranquil world collapsed instantly, replaced by the surging waves of the outside world, violently washing over every inch of the shore in Nagi Seishiro's world.
As expected of you, Rei-oh!
It pulled me out of a dull and monotonous world and led me into a new world full of passion.
That's so interesting, really so interesting.
It's a hundred times more fun than a game!
Thank you, Rei-Oh.
So, my new game is about to begin.
Seishiro Nagi stared at the W team's goal.
In the distance, Reio Mikage stood before the V team players, analyzing the situation, outlining strategies, and devising new tactics. Kenshiro Zentetsu stood beside him, adding completely inappropriately profound statements.
The player, Nagi Seishiro, will embark on a journey to defeat the Demon King, Amano Minaka, with his teammates, the "magician" Mikage Reio and the "warrior" Kenjo Zantetsu.
First, they had to deal with Kira Ryosuke, the "treasure" and a henchman of the "Demon King," who was blocking their way.
Team V's Reio Mikage lightly touched the soccer ball and instantly passed it precisely to Seishiro Nagi, who was making a rapid forward run.
After receiving the ball, Nagi Seishiro sprinted like an arrow, heading straight for Team W's goal.
Seeing this, Tenno Minaka made a sliding tackle without hesitation to intercept the ball. W team's number 9 player quickly responded, only to be met with a sharp tackle from Kenjou. He cleverly passed the ball back to Tenno Minaka.
At that moment, standing in front of Amano Minaka was Reio Mikage, while out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Seishiro Nagi rushing towards them. He calmly adjusted the jacket draped over his shoulders, a gesture that undoubtedly enraged the V team players, who almost all of them charged at him.
“You’re much better than that guy.” Nagi Seishiro’s words were laced with provocation.
Although he did not explicitly say who "that guy" was, Tenno Minato knew in his heart who he was referring to.
Amano Minaka retorted without backing down, "Even Rei-ou is stronger than you."
Before he finished speaking, Tenno Minaka clamped the soccer ball between his feet, slightly raised his forefoot, and gently flicked it, sending the soccer ball soaring into the air as if it had been given life.
Immediately afterwards, he sprinted forward.
The black and white soccer ball drew a beautiful arc in the air, and Nagi Seishiro's light brown eyes were fixed on the trajectory of the ball, just as he was about to make a move.
However, the ball landed steadily at the feet of Tennoichi in front of him.
Tenno Minaka's rainbow flick speed amazed all the players on the field.
"Too slow, Nagi-kun."
No matter how hard a beginner tries, he cannot beat those experienced seniors who have studied for longer.
While this beginner may possess extraordinary talent, isn't Ten no Michū also a gifted individual?
From birth, Tenno Minaka displayed unparalleled talent and trained and improved his skills day and night.
Such a gap is by no means easy to bridge.
"Is that so? But I will crush you one day."
Nagi Seishiro's words were filled with determination and resolve.
Ten no Michū's heart was not as calm as it appeared on the surface; his thoughts were still troubled by the incredible shooting mistake of W team's number 10.
Why could it miss at this distance?
Is there such a big difference in skill level between Team W and Team V?
That shouldn't be the case.
He muttered to himself, puzzled by the vast difference in strength between Team W and Team V. Kira Ryosuke's outburst only exacerbated this unease. The other players on Team W were clearly no match for Team V; the entire team seemed to have lost its soul, with no one capable of shouldering the responsibility of being the "core" player.
Do you expect me to go?
Tenno Minaka lowered his eyes.
No, I can't do it.
It wasn't that Tenno Minaka lacked skill, but rather that he had long since lost the desire to shoot.
A striker without a goal is no different from a group of dragons without a leader.
The days he spent on his sickbed not only took a toll on his body but also eroded his will. His once fervent dreams and positive ideas gradually faded with the passage of time.
Even now, standing in front of the goal, facing the goalkeeper, he finds himself unable to shoot without hesitation as he used to.
It was this lack that prompted him to decide to form "Weaning" after being discharged from the hospital.
He can no longer shoulder the responsibility of shooting alone, so he needs to find a sharper "blade" to fill the void in his heart and rekindle his desire for victory.
Reality dealt Amano Minaka another heavy blow; the very blade he trusted had abandoned him. Suoh Koki had already chosen to leave, turning to others.
Amano Minaka sighed softly, raised his hand to his forehead, and his gaze fell on Kira Ryosuke. The soccer ball seemed to follow his gaze and finally stopped at Kira Ryosuke's feet.
Kenjou Zantetsu quickly intercepted the ball and advanced forward without hesitation, encountering Amano Minaka head-on. He unhesitatingly passed the ball to Mikage Reio, while he held his position, guarding Amano Minaka closely.
Ten no Minaka had anticipated this situation. He quickly turned around, lowered his center of gravity, and skillfully avoided Kenjo Zantetsu's defense.
Seeing this, Reio Mikage, realizing that Ten no Minaka was about to approach, cleverly passed the ball to Seishiro Nagi, who was sprinting towards the goal.
While skillfully interfering with Amanominaka, Mikage Reio also kept pace with him, maintaining a delicate balance.
Just then, the whistle blew suddenly, breaking the tense atmosphere of the game.
Seishiro Nagi's powerful shot seemed poised to add another goal for Team V.
Amano Minaka turned to Nagi Seishiro with a sly smile, his eyes gleaming: "Let me test you, Nagi-kun. Do you know under what circumstances you'll get a yellow card?"
Nagi Seishiro touched his neck, glanced at Amano Minaka with a complicated look, and was about to speak when the broadcast gave the answer first.
"Nagi Seishiro was indirectly offside, yellow card warning, goal disallowed."
The announcement resounded throughout the venue, making this sudden turn of events public.
"Oh dear, someone answered first. Didn't Lingwang teach you the rules of the competition?"
Ling Wang simply said to catch the ball and shoot.
Nagi Seishiro muttered to himself, his hand on his neck rubbing incessantly. But looking into Amano Minaka's golden eyes, the question still lingered in his mind: "Did you do that on purpose?"
Faced with Nagi Seishiro's questioning, Amano Minaka smiled even more slyly: "It's clearly because you're not good enough, you little chick."
For Tenno Yuchu, who has been immersed in professional football matches since childhood, inducing others to commit fouls and committing fouls are his greatest strengths.
It was obvious that Nagi Seishiro was seeing this situation for the first time, as was his soccer mentor, Mikage Reiō.
"Just one more time before you're off the field."
Amano Minaka challenged Asanagi Seishiro.
The match resumed intensely, with Tenno Minaka carrying the ball and advancing with unstoppable momentum, easily dodging the opponent's encirclement and interception.
When he faced Nagi Seishiro, who was a head taller than him, a ripple of emotion stirred within him.
Under the fluorescent lights, Nagi Seishiro's figure was projected onto Amano Minaka like a giant tower, the thick black shadow almost completely engulfing him.
Amano Minaka stopped, controlled the ball steadily, and looked up to look directly into Nagi Seishiro's light brown eyes.
A strange sense of irritation welled up inside me.
It's such an eyesore!
His body began to twitch involuntarily.
Nagi Seishiro keenly sensed Amano Minaka's wavering. He touched his neck, then rushed forward without hesitation, ramming his body into Amano Minaka and cleverly blocking his view.
"I won't let you pass the ball to that 'gem' so easily."
According to Nagi Seishiro's observation, Amano Minaka only passes the ball to Kira Ryosuke.
Even when near the penalty area, he always managed to deliver accurate long passes. This tacit understanding and teamwork reminded Nagi Seishiro of the tacit understanding between himself and Mikage Reiou.
It's a clone of Nagi Reio!
Amano Minaka felt Nagi Seishiro's oppressive aura. He pressed against the other's body forcefully, a smile playing on his lips: "Is that so?"
He knew that technically, Nagi Seishiro, a beginner, was no match for him, but in terms of physical attributes, Nagi Seishiro was far superior to him, both in strength and weight. A one-on-one head-on confrontation would be unwise.
The fighting spirit in Tenno's heart was thus completely ignited. His anger broke through the shackles of reason at that moment, but unexpectedly, this extreme anger allowed him to regain an extraordinary calmness and clarity.
Every subsequent move and every decision will determine the outcome of this match.
How to choose?
Passing the ball, one-on-one, or perhaps [annihilating the five senses]?
Although neither choice can change the predetermined outcome, at least for now, Tenno Minaka only wants to win this game fairly and squarely and become the most dazzling player on the field.
So... we absolutely cannot stop here.
As the struggle dragged on, Amanokinaka's strength gradually weakened, and Nagishiro Shirou's solid body drew closer, seemingly about to crush Amanokinaka to the ground.
The more hesitant you are, the more you should move forward; the more confused you are, the more certain you should be. If you back down now, then none of this will matter.
That sudden illness not only left physical scars on him, but also etched an indelible mark on his soul. It instilled in him a deep fear and aversion to all sports requiring physical contact, especially football.
Even though he has fully recovered, the fear still washes over him whenever he faces an opponent taller than himself, making him afraid of getting injured again, afraid of repeating the same mistakes, and afraid of returning to that dark period when he was unable to move.
The psychological problems are so severe that the body experiences involuntary convulsions and weakness.
"Your current condition is not suitable for continuing to play football."
His father's words echoed in his mind, like a sharp knife cutting through the struggles and contradictions in his heart.
But... what else can I do besides playing soccer...?
Ten years of football training has been ingrained in his bones and flowed into his blood; it's not something he can stop just by saying so.
If I can't continue playing football, then my dream has no meaning, right?
So I will take care of him.
The bright indoor lights stretched Nagi Seishiro's shadow long, casting it onto Amano Minaka and creating a deep, dark shadow. But beneath this shadow, Amano Minaka's golden eyes shone exceptionally brightly, flashing with an indomitable light.
Then eliminate Suoh Hyoki.
I want to show him with my performance that even without him, I can still score goals and win.
Amano Minaka skillfully flicked the ball with his heel, causing it to spin and bounce beneath his feet, soaring over Nagi Seishiro's head in an extremely elegant arc.
Nagi Seishiro's light brown pupils dilated slightly at the sudden change. He caught sight of Kira Ryosuke sprinting towards the sideline and, without hesitation, adjusted his direction to chase after Kira Ryosuke.
Just as he was putting almost all his weight into the fight, Tenno Minaka suddenly froze, as if time had stood still.
This momentary loss of balance caused Nagi Seishiro's massive body to lose its equilibrium, and he fell heavily to the ground.
Amano immediately crossed her hands behind her back and clenched them tightly to prove to the electronic referee that she had not committed a foul.
Seeing this, Reio Mikage turned towards Ryosuke Kira without hesitation, ready to take over the rest of the match.
"Heaven's Royal Center!"
The number 10 player from Team W shouted his name loudly, his excited voice echoing across the field. The players of Team W seemed to have placed all their hopes on him, waiting with unwavering faith.
Upon witnessing this scene, Mikage Reio couldn't help but have a sudden realization.
Is this guy trying to appear as a "savior" after the team is in dire straits, so that he can gain more say in the team's affairs?
So all of this... was part of his plan?
What a dictator!
Tennoichi strode forward, first controlling the ball with his chest, then dashing forward like lightning, listening contentedly to the shouts of Team W.
Amano Minaka, can you hear them? They are calling your name!
They are begging for your forgiveness for the mistakes they made.
They were filled with anticipation, awe, and longing.
They have complete faith in you!
At this moment, Tenno Minaka, who was advancing with the ball, seemed to be shrouded in a mysterious light, and everyone's attention was focused on him.
The "Son of God" has descended, and everything will change because of it.
The glory and expectations were cast upon Tenno Minaka. At this moment, he felt as if he were back when Matsukaze Kuroo Junior High School won the championship for the first time. His body seemed to be propelled by the cheers, transcending his own limitations.
This feeling of being completely absorbed in the game replaced his discomfort with the physicality of football and the pain of injury.
A simple volley.
As the ball went into the net, he landed safely in a stylish pose.
3:3
The score is now tied.
The whistle blew to signal a goal.
Beyond the camera, Huixin Shiba witnessed this scene. He clapped his hands lightly, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, a smile that seemed to conceal endless calculation and temptation.
"You ultimately chose the right answer," he whispered, his voice carrying an undeniable certainty. "[Maintaining] isn't for you. A selfish person like you should join us and climb to number one in the world by stepping on 299 dreams."
"Heavenly Guard!"
Team W's number 7 rushed forward and gave him a high five, exclaiming, "That was amazing!"
Nagishiro, who was lying on the ground, looked at the scene in disbelief—Amano Minaka, who had successfully scored, was surrounded and cheered by the crowd, while Kira Ryosuke, who had been running around trying to get Amano Minaka's 'pass', looked lost in the corner.
Why?
He didn't pass the ball?
That guy... got dumped!?
Amano Minaka, who had been consistently passing the ball to Kira Ryosuke, even when he was near the penalty area, surprisingly chose to shoot himself.
Nagishiro's vision gradually blurred, as if shrouded in a thin mist, and the surrounding scenery began to become indistinct and indistinct.
In this hazy vision, Ten no Michū's elegant face appeared even more dignified and beautiful. His originally dark blue hair was now slowly flowing in the dim light, changing from dark to light, and finally turning into a light purple.
That is...
Rei-Oh!
A terrifying, gigantic skeleton emanating black smoke appeared behind Nagi Seishiro.
Will Tennominaka abandon his "treasure" as well as Rei-ou abandon his "treasure"?
Standing in the middle of the crowd, Amanomichi Nagasaki Shirou revealed a provocative smile, instantly sobering him up.
"Nagi."
Reio Mikage pulled Shirou Nagijo up from the ground. "What's wrong?" he asked, patting Shirou's shoulder. "This is the first time I've seen you look like this."
Reio Mikage followed his gaze, looking knowing, and comforted Shirou Nagi, "It's just a tie, we'll definitely win."
His purple eyes were filled with fighting spirit, and his purple hair, the same color as his eyes, was disheveled due to the intense movement.
At this moment, Reio Mikage was like a lion determined to win.
"Ling Wang..."
Nagishiro called out to him dryly, his heart filled with many words, but he couldn't say anything.
Reio Mikage turned around in confusion, "Hmm?"
Nagishiro Shirou didn't speak, he touched his neck and just looked at Mikage Reio.
The game resumed.
With 10 minutes remaining, Amano Minaka passed the ball to Kira Ryosuke.
Ten minutes.
All we need to do now is maintain this score until the end of the game.
Amano Minaka's thoughts have changed.
His original intention was to gain more say, but it seems that even if he wins this round, he won't gain as much say.
Make sure W remembers the consequences of this mistake deeply.
Kira Ryosuke was a little surprised by the sudden pass.
Will you still choose me?
Even if I'm not as good as that guy who only studied for half a year?
Kira Ryosuke turned his head to look at Amano Minaka, who was smiling, nodded at him, and moved forward with the ball.
Team W returned to the "maintain" position, but this time their movements were faster and their passes were more difficult to execute.
Will Nagi and I lose?
Reio Mikage no longer had her original confidence and thought about it in disbelief.
Rei-oh! Don't make that face.
Nagishiro shoved aside the two W team members blocking his way and ran toward the ball.
The skull roared incessantly behind him, and black energy swirled around Nagi Seishiro's body.
"I will never let you take it away again."
Kira Ryosuke used his elbow to brace against Nagishiro Shirou's stomach, hindering his progress.
A striking clash of light browns, a harmonious blend of white and milky white.
Extend your leg, block, dribble past the opponent, stick close.
The two moved with lightning speed, their figures impossible for onlookers to catch. They were like a pair of fleeting phantoms, leaving only the blurry outlines of their jerseys fluttering in the wind.
There absolutely cannot be a next time.
This was Kira Ryosuke's only idea.
I am a "treasure of Japan", I will not be defeated by a guy who has only studied for half a year in a place like this.
His movements grew increasingly wild, as if shrouded in a black mist, making him appear exceptionally eerie. The whites of his eyes were replaced by strange coils, his heart pounded wildly as if it would burst from his chest, and each breath became incredibly difficult.
Every mechanism in Kira Ryosuke's body was working desperately to stop him here.
Absolutely not!
He will lose everything, including that distant future. He must persevere, no matter the cost…
A sudden sense of urgency drove him to transcend his own limitations, and Kira Ryosuke overpowered Nagishiro Shirou.
Left!
Nagishiro made a quick and accurate judgment; he stretched out his foot and then leaned to the left.
But this time Kira Ryosuke was faster than him.
Kira Ryosuke easily bypassed Nagishiro Shirou and headed towards Team V's penalty area, with Mikage Reio and Kenshiro Zentetsu quickly following behind.
Kira Ryosuke moved his toes, executing a series of groin passes to easily dodge Reio Mikage and Kenjou Zantetsu. He broke free from the [maintenance] of Amenominaka and moved towards his goal.
The white snowy owl flew higher and higher, faster and faster, as if breaking free of its shackles and soaring into the sky.
What happened? How did this guy become so strong?
Nagi Seishiro followed closely behind Kira Ryosuke while pondering the matter.
? !
Amano Minaka stared in disbelief at Kira Ryosuke, who was sprinting with the ball.
What is he doing?
Before Amanomi could even ask a question, Kira Ryosuke kicked the ball into the net at the very last moment of the match.
4:3
Team W wins.
Kira Ryosuke clutched his chest, unable to believe it.
that's all!
Breakthrough in self-improvement?!
His body began to tire, his heart was still pounding, and his legs were starting to feel weak, reminding him that he was nearing his physical limit.
All of this seemed to be telling the story of that breathtaking moment.
Upon hearing the whistle, Tenno Minaka's face instantly darkened. He covered his face tightly with his hands in disbelief, as if trying to prevent the excruciating pain from leaking out.
How dare he?
He dared to do that!
Amano Minaka staggered out of the soccer field, completely unaware that his jacket was accidentally knocked off his shoulder by a W team player.
The W team members surrounded Kira Ryosuke tightly, their faces beaming with the joy of victory and their eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Very good!"
We won!
"Treasure of Japan"
They patted Kira Ryosuke on the shoulder, cheering for their victory.
All of this was once again imprinted in Nagishiro's eyes. He looked at the pale-faced Rei-ou Mikage, his calm tone tinged with worry.
"Ling Wang".
"fine!"
Rei Mikage's eyes were firm and full of determination. "We'll win next time."
"Yes! We'll beat them next time!"
Kenjou Zantetsu chimed in, then gave Mikage Reio a high five.
The crisp sound of their palms colliding seemed to proclaim a future victory.
Kira Ryosuke smiled dismissively at them, his only thought being to find Amano Minaka and tell him that he had broken through his limits.
He ran quickly to the rest area, but instead of congratulations, he was greeted by—
"You knew that, didn't you?"
The gentleness in Amanomi's eyes was replaced by arrogance, and his words became cold and disdainful as he said accusingly, "What I want is a draw."
"Who gave you permission to act on your own?"
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Author's Note: Nagi finally called Kira's nickname "Treasure" correctly. He had previously called him "Treasure" because he wanted Kira to be his replacement and become Kira Rei-O along with Rei-O. However, after experiencing the passion brought by soccer, he gave up on that idea, so he called him the correct name.
The hospitalization of Tennoyu left a deep scar on him. It caused him to become agitated and experience body convulsions when fighting against opponents with significantly different physiques. (Because he was afraid of being hospitalized again.) Now he's hanging on by a thread, thinking that if he (1.76m) can't beat Nagi (1.90m) in a one-on-one match based on his physical abilities, then in the next match against Team Z, he won't be able to beat Suoh (1.92m), who is even better than Nagi.
And because of Suoh's consistent kicking style (upright and honorable), Ten no Mi did not use [Destroy the Five Senses].
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